National Institute of Open Schooling refutes Arvind Kejriwal claim on launching India's first virtual school

Clarification follows the launch of the Delhi Virtual Model School by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, which he claimed was "India's first such platform".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses the media to launch virtual school for students across the country. Photo: Twitter/@ArvindKejriwal via PTI

The first virtual school in the country was launched in 2021 by the Centre and not by the Delhi government on August 31, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) said.

"With reference to certain media reports regarding the claims of India's first virtual school being launched today. It is informed that the first virtual school of the country was already launched by Union Education Minister in August last year," the NIOS said.

The clarification by the NIOS came following the launch of the Delhi Virtual Model School by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, which he claimed was "India's first such platform".

He also announced that students from across the country will be eligible for admission.

"At present there are more than 7,000 study centres affiliated with NIOS which are dedicatedly providing academic support and more than 1500 study centres providing support in skill based vocational courses to the learners of NIOS Virtual Open School. Live interactive classes shall be conducted by these study centres accredited by NIOS," the open school said.